Mental Health Counseling Colorado FAQ

How Emotional/Behavioral Issues Are Connected to Substance Use

Sometimes, people suffer from a substance use disorder and mental health issue at the same time.  When this happens, it is called "co-occurring," which means that both behavioral health issues are happening at the same time. 

It is important to seek help for a co-occurring disorder so that one can get the best treatment.  32 percent of those treated for substance-use disorder in Colorado have a co-occurring mental health disorder.  In general approximately, 23 percent of adults with a serious mental illness arre dependent on or abused alcohol or an illegal drug.  The ideal form of treatment for people experiencing co-occurring disorders is to have both treated at the same time.

Please click on the links below to explore the most common mental health issues that occur with substance use disorders:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)